Oh Canada!

It will be a long time before Canadian hockey fans get to watch a World Junior team as good as the one that brought home the gold last night.

As I said in an earlier post, it is very rare, in any sport, to have a team that shows no flaws. Team Canada had no holes in their armour, no weak links in their chain. This team was as close to perfection in the sporting world that you can come. Looking back over the years I would have to say that the only team that even comes close to being as dominant as this year's Junior squad would be the Chicago Bulls team that went 72-10. Absolute dominance.

Not even when the Russians scored to make it 2-1 did I feel uneasy about Canada's chances of ending the 7-year gold medal drought.

Canada responded in a big way in the second period. I believe the Russians knew they were in for a tough game but I don't think they ever imagined just how physically punishing it would be on them. Just ask one Alexander Ovechkin. The chances that his shoulder was really injured are about as high as my chances for winning the Pulitzer Prize for this blog. The only thing that was bruised on that hot dog was his ego. All I can say is if that is all it takes to get a supposed "superstar" off his game then the Washington Capitals got screwed in the draft. Perhaps we're looking at the next Alexandre Daigle?

The fact that Canada outscored their opponents 41-7 is fairly impressive. The fact that only 3 of those goals came at even strength is mind-boggling.

What is really remarkable to me about this team is how many future NHL (or whatever pro league is existing in the next few years) stars are on this team. Usually as you look back on past Junior squads you can pick out one or two names that went on to become stars, a bunch of guys who became role players, and then the last few who just never panned out.

This year's team has more sure things then a college frat party. Phaneuf, Crosby, Bergeron, Carter, Getzlaf, Seabrook, Coburn, Webber, Perry, Fraser, MacArthur, Richards . . . it's an incredible list of talent to say the least.

Hockey Canada should be very proud of what is going on throughout the minor hockey ranks. Watching these kids play the great game of hockey makes you understand why Canadians are so passionate about this great game.

Way to go Canada! You made us very, VERY proud!